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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?

From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

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